Republicans paid tribute to its most popular presidents: Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan in the second day of its National Convention, which formalised to John McCain as its candidate for the White House.
In addition to the three leaders were also presented video tributes to former presidents Gerald Ford and George Bush, who arrived at Xcel Energy Center accompanied by his wife Barbara and their daughter-in-law and first lady, Laura.
During his Ford and Bush administrations have not reached the level of popularity of Reagan but neither fell to historic levels experienced by the current trustee George W. Bush.
With capacity for 18 thousand people, the arena located in the centre of this capital of Minnesota wore not filled for the second day of the event whose central slogan is' The nation first ', although the theme of the day was' service'.
True to the concept of the convention, during the mentioned video tributes, standing ovations among the public that each of the honorees made 'first nation'.
At the meeting were not present or senator for Arizona (although his wife Cindy and their children) or its candidate for vice-presidency, the controversial governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin.
The program included speeches from President George W. Bush (via satellite from the White House), his wife Laura, former Democratic candidate for vice-president and current independent Connecticut Senator, Joe Lieberman.
As a former Tennessee senator, Fred Thompson, who contend against John McCain in the Republican courier toward elections next November 4, and fellow Mexican-American from McCain, Tommy Espinoza.
Joe Lieberman emphasized that (the Democrats) Barack Obama is a gifted and eloquent young man who can do great things for the country in the years ahead. However, clarified that 'eloquence is no substitute for a record, not in these hard times'.
The candidate who was with Albert Gore in 2000 assured that all your friends know the Democrats record of independence of John McCain.
'That's why some are spending so much time and money trying to convince voters that John McCain is another', said to warn the U.S. not be fooled.
He stressed that unlike the virtual candidate Democrat Obama, McCain has crossed partisan lines in Congress to bring legislation in favour of all U.S..
In his speech, or ignored by some that was greeted with whistles of disapproval when referring to the Democratic Party, Lieberman said that 'I am here as a democrat' to support McCain because 'the country is more important than a game' ..
Legislators in Connecticut urged Democrats and independent to vote for senator in Arizona but never been paid for a Republican in a few regular elections, because 'this is not an ordinary election'.
Fred Thompson, meanwhile, filled with praise for his former Republican rival, who praised his' strength, courage, humility, wisdom, honor and responsibility '.
McCain added, has the kind of character 'that civilizations, from the beginning of history, have sought in their leaders'.
Thompson, who achieved more recognition as an actor than as a legislator, noted: 'it is very clear that there are two questions you never have to make (McCain). ┐ Who is this man? and, ┐ we trust him as president? '.
He said the virtual Republican presidential aspirant has been in Iraq eight times since 2003 but has ido 'seeking truth, not advertising'.
In reference to the Democrat candidate, Barack Obama, said that while others' talk of change ', McCain leads the effort' to make reform possible, always pressing for what they cree correct and necessary to restore people's faith in their government.
When needed, he added, comparing what is necessary and crosses the line as partisan, 'John personifies why (lawmakers) came to Washington'.
The convention, whose opening day on Monday was cut short by the emergence in the Gulf of Mexico by Hurricane Gustav, will continue here until Thursday, when McCain is expected to pronounce his acceptance speech.
